From our family to yours,
Merry Christmas
and
Happy New Year!!!
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)
A fellow homeschool mother, Jennifer Bogart of Bogart Family Resources, has given me the opportunity to review We Three Kings of Orient Are – Copying the Hymns, Christian Devotional Copywork.
Before I proceed to my review, you should know that the Bogart Family Resources is giving away one of their copybooks. Aside from that I am also hosting a giveaway. So that’s a free copybook for all of you and a winner will receive We Three Kings of Orient Are – Copying the Hymns, Christian Devotional Copywork. Read on to find out how.
The Bogart Family Resources have produced a very beautiful copybook in We Three Kings of Orient Are – Copying the Hymns, Christian Devotional Copywork in Traditional ZB Style Manuscript Level 1. A detailed description of this ebook is found here.
Here are the things I like about it:
This copybook features a hymn traditionally sung during the Christmas season. With all of the modern versions of songs available now, we almost never sing hymns anymore. We should never forget, though, the beauty in singing hymns. This copybook helps you teach a beautiful hymn to your children while still getting their lessons finished.
They always start and end the whole copybook with Bible verses to study and meditate on as you have your children work on their copywork. This helps the mother a lot because they can finish their devotions, copywork, reciting and memorizing Bible verses and singing all in one lesson.
It is also priced reasonable low at only $2.95. It is an ebook so it is available for download right after payment. They give permission to reproduce the book for single family or single classroom use. I appreciate the brief but concise instructions she gives on how to use the book.
Here is an excerpt of the “Why Copywork” portion of the ebook:
“And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites:” - Deuteronomy 17:18"
The roots of copywork are found woven throughout the history of
humankind. Students from ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece have
all learned to write by practicing a form of copywork.
Perhaps most notable however are God’s own words of instruction found in Deuteronomy 17:18. His instruction to the Kings of Israel to write out a copy of the Law to keep by them at all times is a profound and unmistakable example of copying the Word of God in order to meditate upon it and drive it deeply into our souls.
By copying the works of excellent, engaging authors, children intuitively
learn proper grammar, expand their vocabularies, recognize proper spelling, and learn punctuation. Carefully copying high-quality literature along with the Word of God in their own hand rapidly develops children’s printing and handwriting skills.
Now for the GIVEAWAY and the CONTEST
The Bogart Family Resources have been so generous as to allow me to give one copy of We Three Kings of Orient Are copybook to a blessed reader out there. Here’s how to join this contest, there are only 2 tasks you should do:
1. Go to Bogart Family Resources and join their mailing list. Don’t forget to confirm your email. Once you are confirmed, you will receive for FREE Copying the Hymns: All Things Bright and Beautiful, Traditional Style ZB Manuscript, Level 1.
2. Post a comment here about this review.
Once you have done the two tasks, post another comment letting me know if you have done both tasks. Don’t forget to write your email so I know where to contact you. Every task you do will give you one raffle number. I will draw the winner on December 31, 2009 through Random.org.
May the good Lord bless
you all this Christmas!
Online Mommy’s Corner is hosting a Thanksgiving contest from Nov. 15 – Dec. 31, 2009. I love this contest and have been thinking about what I might include in my post. 2009 has been a year of enormous breakthroughs for myself and my family and God alone deserve all the glory! Here’s my Thanksgiving List.
TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
1. My hubby, Gary D., has decided to stay here in the Philippines with us last January. He already has a good job in a big hotel in New Zealand, his working permit will allow him to apply for a permanent residency there. The downside to all of this is that, with the amount of money needed to bring our whole family there, it will take us possibly another two years before we can be together. At that time, we have already been separated for 2 years and we cannot fathom another two years of separation from each other. So we gave up the dream of moving to another country and trusted in the Lord fully for our future here in Manila.
2. As I said, Gary D., was away from us for two years. It was my heart’s 
desire to be able to go and have some time away for just the two of us. Though that was my prayer, I really wasn’t sure how we can possibly do it because we didn’t have enough funds for that. Remember, he just decided not to go back to New Zealand so we were facing the reality that he will be out of a job job here for awhile. But our God is full of surprises! He answered that prayer 
through the invitation of a very generous man who owns one of the most beautiful hotels in Naga City, Bicol – The Avenue Plaza Hotel. Here is a picture of us with my sister and brother-in-law, it is through them that we met this generous man. Gary D. and I were able to reconnect and talk things over while we were there.
3. My mom celebrated her birthday last January and this is one of the first picture that we had as a family. We praise God that we are all together celebrating this occasion.
4. The months after that consisted of Gary D’s job hunt here in Manila. At this time we no longer had a source of income and prayed to the Lord to meet our needs. He answered by blessing other members of our family and friends – in turn, they have all faithfully supported us. We could not have survived the long months without them.
Here we are with my parents, our most generous and faithful supporters.
My loving sister and brother-in-law who are very close to our hearts. Gary D. and I consider them our guide, our mentors, our life models. Their love and support has lessened our financial and emotional burdens considerably.
My in-laws, Gary D’s family who also gave their love and wholehearted support. Mamalo and his sister’s and brothers have been so generous to our family, always there for us especially during emergencies.
My beautiful mother-in-law, Mamalo, with one of Gary D’s sisters. Mamalo’s enduring prayers have helped to see us through. Gary D’s sister in this picture has not failed to help us out when we needed help.
Gary D’s youngest sister and her husband, both have also given us their loving support.
5. We thank the Lord for our church family who rallied around us with prayers and financial support. They loved us, supported us, visited us in the hospitals. We love you, Crusade Bible Church family!
These are just some of our closest friends at Crusade Bible Church.
Another family who loved and supported us. When Gary D had a job interview for a hotel in Tagaytay, we asked them to drive us there. Our daughters are BFF’s.
6. In the middle of the job hunting, one of the hotels Gary D. applied to asked us to visit their hotel in Legazpi City. They shouldered all our expenses at the hotel and our air fare. This was another opportunity for the two of us to bond. God is really full of surprises!
At the hotel’s front desk
7. Finally, after five months of submitting resumes, going on several interviews, he was hired by The Manila Marriott Hotel in Newport City.
Here he is, the Banquet Operations Manager, at work. One of the perks of working at the Marriott is that we also got to stay there for free when he was the Duty Manager for the weekend. We were very thankful for this because it was our first time in a long time that our family got to go on a “vacation”. 
8. I am very grateful and thankful to the Lord for the continued opportunity to review books and other homeschool products. Though I am not paid to write the reviews, I get good quality products for free.
9. This blog, Beyond Silver and The Gold – A Filipino Family’s Homeschool Journey, has been my venue for posting my reviews and our family’s homeschool experience. Through this blog, I have renewed my love for writing, I have met other bloggers, I have been able to encourage other homeschoolers. For me, there is no better ministry than the ministry of encouragement. I thank the Lord for this.
10. Our homeschool support group, Kreative Kids, Moms and Dads. The whole family is so happy to be a part of this group. KKM&D is the ideal homeschool support group for us.
11. The Lord has also answered my prayer to be a WAHM(Work-At-Home-Mom). I have been praying for this kind of opportunity – to earn income while at home and Essays.ph has given me this opportunity. Here is my blog about it.
12. Finally, I thank the Lord for my family. Words are not enough to express the depth of my feelings for them.
“But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15
For those who are interested to join this contest, please go to Online Mommy’s Corner for instructions. Following are the great prizes for the winners:
1st Prize
1 Year Free Web Hosting (worth $10) – Online’s Mommy’s Corner
1 Year dot com Domain chosen by the winner – Trends Zone
Personalized Template* – Random Thoughts of a WAHM
Site Button / Badge – All About Elizabeth
Post Signy – Thoughts and Obsessions
$10 Paypal Funds – Online’s Mommy’s Corner
$5 Paypal Funds – IT Mommy Info
4000 EC – Dothy’s World
2000 EC – The Mommy Journey
2000 EC - Her and History
1000 EC – Our Adventure Together
1000 EC – Thoughts and Obsessions
125×125 ad space for 1 month (PR3) – IT Mommy Info
125×125 ad space for 1 month (PR3) – Life Expressions
125×125 ad space for 2 months (PR2) – All About My Life
125×125 ad space for 1 month (PR2) – Bloguardian Hellsite Overcashed
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125×125 ad space for 3 months (PR 1) – Online’s Mommy’s Corner
125×125 ad space for 1 month (PR 1) – A Momma’s Journal
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2nd Prize
1 Year Free Hosting – Rubz Online
dot info Domain – SEO Friendly Blog Directory
Site Badge Button – All About Elizabeth
Post Signy – Thoughts and Obsessions
$10.00 Paypal Funds – I love Darly
$5.00 Paypal Funds- Pinay Mommy Online
2000 EC – The Movie Mommy
2000 EC – Chika Buzz
2000 EC – Friendship and Smiles
2000 EC – Lourdes’ Mia
2000 EC – Reviewer’s Haven
125×125 ad space for a month (PR3)- A Woman’s Blog
125×125 ad space for a month (PR3)- OnlineBiz and resources
125×125 ad space for a month (PR2)- Moolah Musings
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125 x125 ad space for a month (PR2) – How I Earn Money Online
125×125 ad space for a month (PR 1) - I LűV ContEsts aNd MoRe!!
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3rd Prize
Site Badge Button – All About Elizabeth
Post Signy – Thoughts and Obsessions
$5 - Crayons and Pencil
$5 – Niko’s Blog
1000 EC – Inspirational Insights
1000 EC – Me, Myself and Jes
1000 EC – Princess Ishi
1000 EC – Prince Ethan’s Journal
1000 EC – My Little Angels
1000 EC – My Little Angel’s Journey
1000 EC – All About My Life
1000 EC – A Blessed Life
1000 EC – Tasty Exploration
125×125 ad space for 1 month (PR3) – Home Buddies
125×125 ad space for 1 month (PR3) – Couple’s Love Book
125×125 ad space for 1 month (PR2) – Azumi My Lil Dolly Princess Story
125X125 ad space for 1month (PR2) – Our Clan’s Marveling
125×125 ad space for 1 month (PR1) – Yam’s File
125×125 ad space for 1 month – Travelin’ With Marie
*To avoid so much time with the customization of the template, the winner will only be allowed to choose her preferred color. Online casino Ireland. ###
Today is hubby’s birthday and I’d like to dedicate this day for him on my blog. We love you, Dad!
The glory of young men is their strength… Prov. 20:29
Many a man claims to have unfailing love,
but a faithful man who can find? Prov. 20:6
A Father's Treasure
"Don't you see
that children are God's best gift,
the fruit of the womb
his generous legacy?
Like a warrior's fistful of arrows
are the children of a vigorous youth.
Oh, how blessed are you parents,
with your quivers full of children!
Your enemies
don't stand a chance against you;
you'll sweep them right off
your doorstep."
(Psalm 127:3-5, MSG)
Dearest Dad,
I praise God for giving me YOU! Thank you for your love, your faithfulness, your kindness. Thank you for working hard to provide for us. Thank you for the love, care and attention you give to each of our children. Our world is rich because of you. Laughter abound in our home because of you. Our children are blessed because of the prayers you pray for them at night.
May the good Lord bless you and guide you in all that you do. I pray that you will continue in all your good work so that all who look at you shall praise the Lord our God!
Happy, Happy Birthday! We love you very much!
Love,
Michelle and kids
I love planners! In fact, I have all kinds of planners. Most of the planners I have are in ebook format and are specifically for homeschoolers. I received The Well-Planned Day 2009 – 2010 Family Homeschool Planner Ebook from its publisher, Home Educating Family, for free for the opportunity to review it.
This planner is specifically for mom’s use. It is filled with beautiful graphics and its monthly colors are pleasing to the eye. It is aesthetically pleasing and is inspiring to write on. Although I would prefer to use a printed planner, I did like that it is downloadable because I can print some of the pages as much as I want to. Consequently, I can also choose not to print some of the pages to save on paper and ink.
The planner starts with instructions on how to use the weekly pages for 1,2 or 3 children. It provides space for 5 days a week of lesson planning. Saturdays and Sundays have a small box relegated to them. There is space to make a list of your priorities for the week and another space to write the daily dinner menu. Every week there is a catechism question and answer with Biblical proofs. The week is printed on two pages.
There is a page for your family and contact numbers, your homeschool group contact details and a page for each child’s personal record. You are encouraged to place a picture of your child on the record. This would be a nice keepsake to look back to in the future.
There are several recording pages in this planner and these are:
Class Plan, Semester Goals (it is divided into 2 semesters), Daily Time Schedule, Attendance Report, Weekly Grades, Transcript Evaluation, Report Card, shopping list, book list, field trip/enrichment activities and monthly expenses.
The month-at-a-glance provides daily scripture readings and a space below it to record memorable moments. Every month features a theme and there are different colors per month.
For me, this is the planner’s best feature and I’m saving it for last – every month they have included a 2-page article from the Home Educating Family Magazine. These articles are not only very encouraging but gives wise advice on homeschooling, homemaking, parenting, ministry just to name a few.
My only complaint with this is that they only put a small box to write on for Saturdays and Sundays. Our family’s weekends are heavy with activities so I had to just squeeze in their schedule on the edge of the pages, and I didn’t like that.
Overall, I am pleased with this planner. It is very beautiful, the presentation is organized, it is filled with scripture and quotations and with very useful articles.
The Well-Planned Day planner is available in printed version and in PDF download. It can be bought from their website.
Ugh! Did I just say that? Homeschool during the Christmas season? Christmas is a very busy time for all of us. There are gifts to buy, gifts to wrap, trees and homes to decorate, parties to go to, food to cook and so many other things that make this merry month go by so fast.
I don’t know about you but we usually have to take it easy with our homeschool during Christmas – there are just so many things to do! Now that my two eldest daughters – Guitar Babe and Artsy Princess – are in their teen and pre-teen years, they even have their own parties to go to!
Well, I can’t just let this time go by just like that. I would not want for our family to forget the focus of this season. So I thought of teaching them through this Christmas season. Off I went in search online for the best activities I can find. Here’s a few of what I’ve found that I’m sharing with you.
First, if you’re determined to make it a complete curriculum, try this site:
A Holiday Curriculum: Meet Educational Requirements with Simple Holiday Activities
A fellow homeschool mom has been talking about lapbooking with her child, so I thought, “Why not try lapbooking this month? That’d be a good change for all of us.” Here’s a list of all the FREE lapbooking and Christmas activities sites I’ve found:
12 Days of Christmas (I read about it first here)
12 Days of Christmas (with instructions and pictures)
A Nativity Lapbook for Kingdom Kidz by Angela Frampton
A Nativity Mini Book by Bry-Back Manor
Bry-Back Manor’s Holiday Activities
Christmas Customs Lapbook by Homeschool Helper
Christmas Symbols Lapbook by Homeschool Helper
Twelve Days of Christmas Printables by Beverly Hernandez
Christmas Lapbook by Veritas Press
Advent Wreath History by Veritas Press
Christmas Crafts for Kids by Danielle’s Place
Christmas Bible Printables By Bible Story Printables
Keeping Christ In Christmas Copybook by Proverbs 22:6 Academy (download weekly)
More sites with lists of Christmas Ideas:
Homeschooling 4 Free Lapbooking Links (includes other lapbooks)
Christmas Ideas for Homeschoolers by Homeschool Helper
For Preschoolers:
Shirley’s Preschool Activities
For Moms:
2 Free Christmas Ebooks by Money Saving Mom
Finally, if you want more ideas and links to Homeschool for free, join us on Facebook!
Okay, I know I’ve given you quite a lot here, it may become more overwhelming for you. Don’t let it. Just decide what you really want your family to learn with the time you have and stick to that. This list is just to give you ideas and encouragement.
Enjoy and Merry Christmas!!!
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